Female Bonobos Have Social Climbing Sex

Female Bonobos Have Social Climbing Sex

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When female bonobos join a new group, they will do anything to get with the “it” crowd — which often means having sex with the alpha female. And according to new research, females of this promiscuous primate species who are climbing the social ladder will advertise their successes during sex by calling out, especially when their partner is of higher status or when the alpha female is in the audience.

For bonobos, sex serves to ease tensions after conflict, show affection, relay social status, provide excitement and reduce stress. It occurs in virtually all partner combinations and in a variety of positions. Female bonobos leave the group in which they grew up and pick a new family to live among and find mates. The newcomer needs to climb the social ladder, which she does by bonding with high-ranking females in the group.